IRVING, Texas — The best news Oklahoma had Wednesday was on the health of defensive tackle Adrian Taylor. He is expected to be back on the field and fully recovered from the gruesome lower leg injury he suffered in the Sun Bowl.
“He’s progressing well,” OU coach Bob Stoops said at Big 12 Football Media Days. “They (OU’s medical staff) feel he’s close to being back at 100 percent. Just watching him, talking to him, walking through the office, he’s making good progress and feels good.”
Defensive end Jeremy Beal, who is also Taylor’s roommate, said the defensive tackle has been working out for 2 1/2 hours every day. His speed might not have come back yet, but Taylor has put his time in the weight room to good use.
“When you see Adrian, he’s gotten twice as big. It’s a good big. He’s really strong. He might be the strongest dude on the team now. He’s gotten a lot stronger in his upper body,” Beal said. “He may have lost a step with his feet, but his strength is up there.”
Featured back
Running back DeMarco Murray has been OU’s starting running back most of the last three seasons. But he’s never been the workhorse. The Sooners haven’t really had one since Adrian Peterson in 2006.
That could change this season.
Murray expects to be the workhorse and has discussed it with offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson.
“They told me I would, but there would be time for other guys if I got tired and things like that,” Murray said. “I’m definitely ready to take my role as a challenge. I think I deserve it. I think I’m ready for it.”
Murray’s health has made it easier for him to take on a larger role. He just finished the first offseason since 2007 where he wasn’t recuperating from an injury. The last time that happened, he averaged 6.0 yards per carry and rushed for 13 touchdowns.
“I’m not saying I want 30 carries a game. But if they gave it to me, I would definitely take it with a smile on my face,” Murray said. “If they didn’t, whatever I can get, I’ll take.”
More for Broyles?
Wide receiver Ryan Broyles was the Sooners’ most productive offensive player last season. He caught 89 passes, scored 21 touchdowns and returned 56 punts.
Getting him the ball more won’t be easy.
“It’d be hard. We got him the ball an awful lot,” Stoops said. “And then as soon as he gets hurt punt returning, you guys will all say, ‘How come he was doing that?’”
Broyles said he’d like to get the ball more, but that doesn’t make him any different than any other other receiver in college football.
“I feel like when you get that opportunity you want to shine because you really don’t get that many so I do feel like you have to have a little chip on your shoulder,” he said. “You want to be one of those guys who can standout and make every opportunity the best you can because that gives the quarterback confidence in you.”
Stay or go?
Broyles and junior linebacker Travis Lewis will be eligible for next season’s NFL Draft if they choose to leave school early. Lewis said he hasn’t formed an opinion yet. Broyles said he plans to be at OU for two more seasons, but admits things can change quickly.
Broyles brought up the fact that he decided to attend OU the day before signing day after being committed to Oklahoma State for months.
“People change their minds every day, and I’m a prime example of that,” he said. “I’m going to play this year like I’ll have another year. But I’m going to play every game like I have no more games to play. I’ll worry about next year at the end of the season.”
Could have been Gill
OU coach Bob Stoops revealed Wednesday that Big 12 offenses could look at lot different if he would have been able to get his first choice as offensive coordinator when he took over at OU prior to the 1999 season.
Stoops said his first choice for offensive coordinator wasn’t Mike Leach.
“I tried to hire Turner Gill,” he said.
Gill, who was an offensive assistant at Nebraska at the time, is entering his first season as Kansas’ head coach.
The insults flew
Lewis and defensive end Jeremy Beal have a joking relationship. They started trading barbs with each other on the flight to Dallas Wednesday morning, and the insults continued to fly at each other in the interview room.
Lewis arrived at the press conferences sporting a Mohawk and Beal couldn’t resist.
“I said he looked like a Mexican wrestler. I said he was ‘Nacho Libre,’” Beal joked. “He’s been trying to get back at me since.”
Lewis’ retort was quick.
“His head looks like a Milk Dud,” Lewis said with a laugh while looking at Beal across the room. “Don’t listen to Jeremy.”
Beal gave in and said the Mohawk looks good on Lewis. He even said he could grow one.
“I could. Do I want to? No. Travis can have that,” Beal added.
Encouraged by the offensive line
If Stoops has reservations about OU’s offensive line, he wasn’t showing any Wednesday. He had nothing but positive things to say about the group.
He said it had earned the praise with the way they’ve worked since last season ended.
“I think all of that together gives us an opportunity to be optimistic,” he said.
Madu awaits punishment
Running back Mossis Madu was charged with misdemeanor DUI Tuesday by the Cleveland County district attorney after being arrested last Saturday.
Stoops said Wednesday he had not decided on the punishment for the senior, but said he won’t discuss it publicly.
“I won’t tell you yet what we’re doing,” he said.
John Shinn 366-3536 jshinn@normantranscript.com
